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The Written Word

Today's tip for writers

Affect or effect?

Most of the time, affect is a verb and effect is a noun. However, this is only a “most-of-the-time” guide, since affect can at times be a noun and effect can at times be a verb. But, instead of confusing the issue with exceptions that are rarely used, I’ll concentrate on the most common uses. Affect is almost always a verb meaning “to influence or change.” Use it this way: “Will this affect my performance review?” Effect is almost always a noun meaning “result.” Use it this way: “We need to address the effect of your behavior.”